When a stream, wave action, or excavation by humans undercuts the base of a slope, slope failure may occur because __.
A) ground water will be drained out of the slope
B) the weight of the slope will have been reduced
C) the shear force/stress on the base of a potential landslide mass will have been increased
D) downslope support of the slope materials will have been reduced or eliminated
E) the normal force/stress across the base of a potential landslide mass will have been reduced

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the base of a slope is undercut, the support that holds the slope materials in place is reduced or eliminated, increasing the likelihood of slope failure.

When a Stream, Wave Action, or Excavation by Humans Undercuts